As writer, dissident, and statesman, Václav Havel played an essential part in the profound changes that occurred in Central Europe during the last decades of the twentieth century, and became a powerful intellectual and political force for the reestablishment of democratic principles and institutions. Now, in this intimate, illuminating memoir, he recollects the pivotal experiences and ideas of his remarkable life. Known in his native Prague for his theatrical productions, and imprisoned for his anticommunist views, Havel emerged on the international stage in 1989 as the elected president of Czechoslovakia, and, in 1993, as president of the newly formed Czech Republic. He writes with eloquence and candor about his transition from playwright to politician, and the surreal challenges of governing a young democracy. But the scope of his writing extends far beyond the circumstances he faced in his own country. He shares his thoughts on the future of the EU, the reach of the American superpower, and the role of national identity in today’s world. He explains why he has come to believe the war in Iraq is a fiasco, and he discusses the reverberations from his initial support of the invasion. This is also a personal book, in which he writes for the first time about his battle with lung cancer, the death of his first wife, Olga, and the controversy that has dogged his relationship with his second wife, the Czech actress Dagmar Vekrnová. And, finally, it is a meditation on mortality and on the difficulties of writing itself. Infused with characteristic wit and well-honed irony, To the Castle and Back is a revelation of one of the most important figures of our time.

To the Castle and Back

Biographies & Memoirs

Havel, Václav

Leaders & Notable People

KNOPF

From the former president of the Czech Republic comes this first-hand account of his years in office and the transition to democracy following the fall of Communism.
A renowned playwright, Václav Havel became one of Czechoslovakia's most prominent dissidents under Communist rule – and the president after the Velvet Revolution, making him a key player in European politics. Here we see first-hand the challenges of creating a new government, tempered with Havel's revealing insights into the difficulties posed by an era of increased globalization and conflict. He discusses not only the situation in his own country, but also such pressing issues as the future of the European Union, the war in Iraq, and the role of the United States in contemporary affairs. Written with an eye towards both the political and the personal and a witty, well-honed eloquence, To the Castle and Back is a rare glimpse into the minds of one of the most important political figures of modern times.

To the Castle and Back: A Memoir

Community & Culture

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Text: English, Czech (translation)

The Memorandum (An Evergreen Book)

Random House]

Eighteen months after becoming Czechoslovakia's president, Vaclav Havel reflects candidly on his first experience as a democratic politician. He also discusses issues which have become increasingly urgent throughout the former communist bloc, such as national rivalries and economic transition.

Summer Meditations

Knopf Canada

Letters to Olga

Politics & Social Sciences

Politics & Government

When Professor Leopold Nettles writes a book that contains passages unacceptable to the government he faces pressures from the state

Largo desolato: A play in seven scenes

Literature & Fiction

Dramas & Plays

GROVE PRESS

When Professor Leopold Nettles writes a book that contains passages unacceptable to the government he faces pressures from the state

Largo Desolato: A Play in Seven Scenes (English and Czech Edition)

Grove Pr

The Power of the Powerless (Routledge Revivals): Citizens Against the State in Central-eastern Europe

Books of great political insight and novelty always outlive their time of birth and this reissued work, initially published in 1985, is no exception. Written shortly after the formation of Charter 77, the essays in this collection are among the most original and compelling pieces of political writing to have emerged from central and Eastern Europe during the whole of the post-war period. Václav Havel’s essay provides the title for the book. It was read by all the contributors who in turn responded to the many questions which Havel raises about the potential power of the powerless. The essays explain the anti-democratic features and limits of Soviet-type totalitarian systems of power. They discuss such concepts as ideology, democracy, civil liberty, law and the state from a perspective which is radically different from that of people living in liberal western democracies. The authors also discuss the prospects for democratic change under totalitarian conditions. Steven Lukes’ introduction provides an invaluable political and historical context for these writings. The authors represent a very broad spectrum of democratic opinion, including liberal, conservative and socialist.

LGBTQ+ Books

Routledge

Books of great political insight and novelty always outlive their time of birth and this reissued work, initially published in 1985, is no exception. Written shortly after the formation of Charter 7, the essays in this collection are among the most original and compelling pieces of political writing to have emerged from central and Eastern Europe during the whole of the post-war period.

Imprisoned in 1979 for supporting the Czech human rights movement, Charter 77, Vaclav Havel, an important European writer and intellectual, wrote weekly to his wife, Olga. His letters contain his reflections on philosophy, the arts and society and are a testimony to his dignity and courage.

Letters to Olga: June 1979 to September 1982

Wilson, Paul

Faber and Faber Ltd.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Havel, Václav. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Havel, Václav

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Havel, Václav. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

To the Castle and Back

To the Castle and Back: A Memoir

The Memorandum (An Evergreen Book)

Summer Meditations

Letters to Olga

Largo desolato: A play in seven scenes

Largo Desolato: A Play in Seven Scenes (English and Czech Edition)

The Power of the Powerless (Routledge Revivals): Citizens Against the State in Central-eastern Europe

The Power of the Powerless (Routledge Revivals): Citizens Against the State in Central-eastern Europe

Letters to Olga: June 1979 to September 1982